Ellie Cole

Ellie Cole is an Australian Paralympic swimmer, born on May 12, 1991, in Melbourne, Victoria. She is highly regarded as one of the most successful Paralympians of all time. Cole's professional career began with the Australian Institute of Sport, and she rose to prominence during the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where she won her first gold medals.

Cole is known for her exceptional speed, agility, and versatility in the water. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, including the most gold medals won by an Australian woman in Paralympic history.

Off the pool, Cole is recognized for her advocacy for disability rights and her influence, making significant contributions to the Paralympic movement and inspiring millions worldwide.

Australian Institute of Sport

• Early Career: Born and raised in Melbourne, Cole joined the Australian Institute of Sport at a young age. She made her professional debut in 2008.

Beijing Paralympics 2008

• Early Success: Cole's breakthrough came at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, where she won two gold medals and broke two world records.

London Paralympics 2012

• Record-breaking Achievements: At the 2012 Paralympics, Cole won four gold medals and set multiple Paralympic records.

Rio Paralympics 2016

• Continued Success: Despite undergoing a double shoulder reconstruction in the lead-up to the 2016 Paralympics, Cole won two golds, two silvers, and a bronze medal in Rio.

Tokyo Paralympics 2020

• Historic Achievements: At the Tokyo Paralympics, Cole won three gold medals and one silver, bringing her total Paralympic gold medal count to 17, the most by an Australian woman.

Australian National Paralympic Team

• Debut: She made her debut for Australia in 2008 at the Beijing Paralympics.

Achievements:

• Beijing Paralympics 2008: Two gold medals.
• London Paralympics 2012: Four gold medals.
• Rio Paralympics 2016: Two gold medals, two silver medals, and a bronze medal.
• Tokyo Paralympics 2020: Three gold medals and a silver medal.

• Position: Primarily a backstroke swimmer, but also excels in freestyle and butterfly events.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, agility, and versatility. Cole is celebrated for her powerful strokes and endurance.

• Family: Cole is the youngest of three children. She maintains a close relationship with her family.
• Advocacy: Cole is a vocal advocate for disability rights and is involved in various initiatives promoting the Paralympic movement.

• Ellie Cole is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience, determination, and longevity in professional swimming. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Gold Medals by an Australian Woman in Paralympic History:

• 17 gold medals

Most Medals in International Competitions:

• Over 30 medals

Most Decorated Australian Paralympian at a Single Games:

• London 2012 - Four golds

Books

• Paralympics Australia (2021) Ellie Cole: The Story of a Champion. Canberra: Paralympics Australia.

Websites

• Australian Paralympic Committee: Information about Ellie Cole’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• International Paralympic Committee: Details about Cole’s career and records. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• ABC News: Ellie Cole: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-02/ellie-cole-named-paralympian-of-the-decade/12942164
• The Guardian: Ellie Cole’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/02/paralympics-2020-ellie-cole-retires-after-winning-17th-paralympics-gold

Interviews and Documentaries

• Nine Network (2016): Ellie Cole: Unstoppable. This documentary provides a detailed look at Cole’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ABC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Ellie Cole, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au